Et Tu, Chester? — Ashland Oregon's Waterstone Spa and Lithia Resort is No Comedy of Errors!
Situated in the Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon (the name belies the ambiance), Lithia Springs Resort & Gardens is a stress-free oasis in a town that bustles and thrives around Ashland’s Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Each year from April to October the town of Ashland attracts flocks of tourists who come to attend numerous plays – by Shakespeare and other playwrights – and enjoy the art galleries, boutiques, sweetshops and fine restaurants. Where else in the United States does one spot adults walking down the street in velvet jester hats with bells on the tips? Where else do children carry giant caramel apples in one hand while cuddling their favorite Shakespeare character – in doll, puppet or stuffed-toy form – in the other?
Here in this energized high-spirited retreat spot, a favorite of the residents of Oregon, Northern California, Southern Washington and Western Nevada, one can find the Lithia Springs Resort & Gardens. Divided into Waterstone Mineral Springs Spa, Lithia Springs Inn & Cottages, and Restaurant Verdant, this resort offers a quiet pampering vacation within a ten-minute drive of your Shakespearean f te.
Waterstone Spa and the Merry Masseurs of Ashland
The mineral springs at Lithia (famous for their high lithium content) have been a popular place for physical and spiritual renewal since local Native American tribes would visit, putting aside their political differences. The Spa is currently housed in two charming converted cottages, and the immediate feeling is that of being cozy and comfortably warm.
Co-owners Deb Cleland and Deanne Andersen strictly regulate their products and services to offer only organic and healthy products. They encourage spa patrons to sit in the garden between treatments to relax and enjoy the spiritual and physical renewal the fresh air and lovely landscaping bring to the soul and body. They offer neither hair nor nail treatments because these usually require synthetic and toxic chemicals. "We want to be as organic as possible," says Cleland. "We want to focus on excellent body work." When asked about the philosophy behind the spa Cleland added, "We believe that true healing happens when people are exposed to the true elements of nature. This is very much a healing environment."
As You Like It: Spa Specialties
The Spa’s LaStone therapy uses hot basalt river rocks. Cold marble stones are used for congested areas of the body. (90 minutes $115.00)
The Seaweed Wrap begins with a soak in a hot mineral tub, then a dry brushing to stimulate the lymph system. Seaweed from the coast of Brittany is used to remineralize and detoxify. (75 minutes, $80.00)
The foot reflexology massage includes a foot soak in the mineral baths. (60 minutes $65.00)
The Indian Sandalwood and Ginger Body Polish starts with a steam and then a body polish and exfoliation using warm oils and spices including sandalwood, cardamom and ginger. Then a warm covers (blankets) while receiving a scalp massage and aloe masque. (75 minutes, $85.00)
Salt or sugar scrubs also start with a steam and then your choice of lavender rose or citrus salt, or coconut oil mixed with raw sugar. Exfoliates the skin and hydrates it, and stimulates the lymph system. the salt or sugar is removed with hot damp towels. (45 minutes, $65.00)
Aside from packages that include room/restaurant options, Waterstone offers a variety of specialties such as ‘Twice the Bliss’, their side-by-side massages for couples, during which two masseurs choreograph a massage on one lucky patron. The spa provides cozy robes and slippers, and bags for your belongings, although with the spa’s meditative and therapeutic environment you may not care about worldly goods anymore.
The Merchants of Waterstone: A Highly Educated Staff
Deb Cleland began her career as a Reiki practitioner after finishing university. She went on to become a licensed Massage Therapist and to study Craniosacral Therapy at the Milne Institute, LaStone Therapy (with founder Mary Nelson), and to become a certified Reflexologist. She is an instructor of massage and esthetics at local Oregon schools. Because she teaches, Cleland has her pick from the students. "I want to know they (my employees) are as whole as possible, and are able to listen to more of the clients’ needs."
Deanne Andersen left a twenty-five-year career as a Special Education teacher to study Craniosacral Therapy at Milne Institute, knowing the benefits of Craniosacral Therapy on handicapped children. She went on to get her license in Massage Therapy and to study LaStone Therapy (also with founder Mary Nelson). Together with a highly trained and eclectic staff, Andersen and Cleland have created a unique spa experience that lack the synthetic medicinal feel of many modern spas. Waterstone is an earthy and comfortable place that seeks to create a harmonious atmosphere with the surrounding natural landscape of Southern Oregon.
Cleland says that the Waterstone’s usual clients are made up of about half locals, and half tourists. "(The tourists) are people who come from an hour’ s drive – maybe two or three – with a huge concentration from Portland, San Francisco, and Redding."
Cleland says that the staff has been experimenting with a variety of organic products, but they found Jurlique to top the list every time. Waterstone sells only Jurlique for facial care for the whole family: there is a men’s line and a baby line too.
Other products for sale include Buddha Blends locally made salts. Guests can purchase the salts, return to their rooms and pour some into a tub of healing spring water. The scented salts also help people who find the slight sulfur smell of the spring water unpleasant. "The detox blend enhances the absorption of the mineral spring baths," says Cleland.
Young Living is a line of essential oils also sold by the spa. "We feel they are one of the highest (quality) therapeutic oils."
"We’re really moving toward offering indigenous treatments," explains Cleland who hands me another product marked ‘Pure Figi’. It is indeed from Fiji. "This cane sugar rub and coconut bath milk are good for people who run hot. Salt is more warming to the body." Having an average body temperature similar to that of a lizard, I put down the sugar and putter over to the salts again.
Tame This Shrew!
The Stress Reduction Package
The Stress Reduction Package offers a gourmet dinner for two at Restaurant Verdant, a one-hour relaxation massage, and with the deluxe option, a facial at Waterstone. The Spa’s facial features the use of Jurlique organic products.
I began with the full-body massage. The massage room was warm, softly lit, and the scent of liang liang is pumped into the whole spa. I was asked which music I preferred and given a choice of several organic oils and scents. My modesty was respected and I was asked to disrobe only to the point to which I was comfortable.
I was only five minutes into the massage when I realized I was in the care of probably one of the most educated masseurs I’d ever visited. Deb Cleland performed an eclectic series of motions so that just as my brain became too used to one (and my back spasms thought they might get the better of her), she changed technique. I h
ave seldom
experienced a more intuitive massage. She really has a gift for finding alignment issues/problems and knows how to enhance circulation and energy flow.
My facial was superb. The facial room was designed just as the massage room, but with a recumbent chair. Masseuse Maureen Claire applied two cleansing masks, detoxifying treatment, and nutrient-rich products my skin gulped down as if I’d been starving it for weeks. Throughout the entire facial, Claire explained that so many products do no more than moisturize. Feeding the skin is what truly restores it and keeps it healthy. Some of the Jurlique products included over 100 different nourishing elements. At the end, Claire wrote out a ‘prescription’ for me to enable me to keep my skin radiant and healthy between facials.
A Midsummer Spa Dream: A New Spa for Ashland!
Slated to open in June 2005, the first 2000 square feet of a new building to house Waterstone broke ground the week I visited. When the entire facility is finished, Ashland will have a new place to socialize as well as physically and spiritually rejuvenate. "We’re building a two-story 4,400 square-foot spa in the garden," Cleland said excitedly, unrolling the floor
plans for me to see. The current buildings will revert to guest cottages again. Waterstone’s staff seeks to allow people to ‘come into their bodies’ in their own time. "That’s why we’re building a solarium," she added, pointing to its location on the page.
In the new facility, French doors will open to a deck looking out on the gardens and the mountains. There will be a retail area with a juice bar and a classroom for yoga, Tai Chi, and other classes. A fireplace (actually a kokol oven) will sit across from a soapstone bench that will absorb the heat so clients can stretch out on its warm surface. "We plan to have radiant heat throughout (the facility) so the floor will be warm."
Indeed the spa will make the most of the mineral springs. "We’ll have tubs for two (upstairs and down), but off of the women’s locker room is the only 4-person tub," Cleland explained. A Vichy shower will pulse over the massage table for washing off salt and sugar rubs in the huge new wet/dry room. It will be situated outside with plants around it. Also planned is a communal tub for ten with a cold plunge, a (ten-person) sauna, and a big outdoor shower with decking and benches. "You pay one price and stay an hour to an hour and a half."
Waterstone is equally prized by locals and visitors, and the new facility will be a pleasure for all. "This is a gathering place," says Cleland. "I also want to appeal to the college crowd for dates, and retreat groups are welcome."
Ye Inn
The warm spring water isn’t just for spa visitors: you can enjoy a relaxing hot tub in your own room. The showers, hot tubs and sinks all spout the healing mineral spring water. In my cottage (number 5), the hot tub seemed as large as my first apartment, easily fitting two people who want to stretch out. A little skylight above illuminated a wall mural surrounding the tub on three sides. Different murals surround every tub in the resort. Mine was designed to make the bather feel as if he or she was in a desert oasis. I couldn’t wait to jump in!
The hard water is thick with minerals and there is a slight smell of sulfur. The jets can be adjusted from a gentle flow to ‘more bubbles than Laurence Welk’. In danger of turning into a prune, I had to get out of the tub. The mineral water definitely relaxed me. I barely made it to bed before collapsing in a happy snooze.
Lithia Springs Inn & Cottages boast beautiful floral decorated garden rooms- with or without whirlpool spas-at the inn, theme suites, and adorable cottages complete with wet bar and CD player and CDs. Wireless Internet is available throughout the facilities, and wireless cards can be found at the front desk. The only TV and telephone service available is in the public area of the Inn. Shakespeare festival listings and a map to the theaters are in the same binder as your room service and spa service menus. Many rooms include an afternoon wine and cheese tasting and a gourmet breakfast.
My cottage was charmingly decorated. Everything was designed for optimal comfort and relaxation. An artificial fireplace next to the heater provided safe ambiance. The weather had just turned wet and the umbrella stand with umbrella was greatly appreciated.
The public areas of the inn are quiet and friendly. The library is a comfy relaxing area with tea/coffee service, shelves packed with great books, and Cliff Notes for the Shakespeare festival plays. The breakfast room and bar are where guests go for the wine and cheese tasting. The decor is in the spirit of Casablanca, including wooden ceiling fans carved into palm fronds. There is a bottomless cookie jar filled with homemade peanut butter cookies.
The gardens surrounding the entire resort are designed to be used by guests, not just admired. There are many benches and outdoor recliners, little tables and chairs throughout the gardens. Stone paths to the spa and cottages take you on a tour of the gardens and the fishpond. The restaurant uses the abundant vegetables, fruits and edible flowers grown here.
A few tips:
Lithia suggests that bathers avoid wearing silver jewelry. Silver may tarnish a bit in the mineral spring water.
If you have hair that gets weighed down easily like my crop, you might want to rinse your hair with the bottled water.
Lithia is a non-smoking establishment, and they mean it! There is a $100.00 cleaning fee if you smoke in your room. Note: There are outdoor areas for smokers.
Packages
Packages include the Rafting Adventure, Golfer’s Play Paradise, Couples’ Retreat, Stress Reduction, Jet Boat Experience, Wine-Lovers’ Package, a "Create Your Own Package Option, and a Honeymoon Getaway. The honeymoon/anniversary package starts at $179.00, and has three options from "A Little Romance" to "A Whole Lot of Romance". The deluxe option includes one-hour massages for both bride and groom and facial at Waterstone, a jet boat ride, a self-guided wine tour of the region with a stocked picnic basket provided by Restaurant Verdant, and three dinners and gourmet breakfasts for $449.00. (The room is not included in this price.) The Stress Reduction Package ranges from $129.00 for the standard option to $229.00 for the deluxe option.
Room rates: Theme suites run 250.00 per night for two people. Standard suites are priced at $155.00 per night for two people, $20.00 extra for up to two children. Garden rooms are $135.00 with a whirlpool, $125.00 without.
Strike up, pipers!
Restaurant Verdant
The Verdant serves the delicious wine and cheese tasting reception in the evenings, which include carefully chosen wines served with cheese from the local Rogue Dairy. Or try the house special: the non-alcoholic green tea cooler. I’m not terribly fond of green tea, but I couldn’t get enough of it.
The Verdant’s breakfast buffet included All You Can Eat prime rib and sausage, mushroom omelets, banana walnut pancakes, thick creamy yogurt, granola, and a variety of fruits including the locally grown variety of Oregon’s famous blackberries and raspberries. Dinner at the Verdant is a five-course gourmet’s joy.
Gourmet lunches are accompanied by surprisingly modest prices up to $12. True, the menus aren’t written in Iambic Pentameter, but who wants poetry when you’re hungry? Besides, the presentation of your meal is poetic enough; artistically presented with veggies that were probably picked within a ten-meter radius.
At lunch I c
hatted with Terry Hopkins, one of the four owners of Verdant. Hopkins explained that one of the most popular dishes on the Verdant’s lunch menu is the Plum Marinated Minced Chicken, served with grilled juicy plums and sitting on a huge bed of mixed greens from Lithia’s garden. When asked about vegetarian fare, Hopkins explained that while there are no regular vegetarian entrees, vegetarians flock to Verdant for the freshly picked delicious salads. Also a popular dish is the Curry Grilled Shrimp with watermelon balls, a delicious combination of cool/sweet and fiery/spicy. The pumpkins in Lithia’s pumpkin patch had just ripened and I was treated to fresh pumpkin cheesecake, not too sweet as are many pumpkin desserts, and the spices were perfect.
All’s Well That Ends Well: Chester and the Peanut Butter Cookie
Okay, two peanut butter cookies.
If your massage/spa treatment and mineral spring bath isn’t enough to relax you, cuddly Chester, the striped cat-o-the-inn, will happily join you in your room or cottage (if invited), hop up on your bed and demonstrate proper relaxation technique.
As with all of the staff at the spa, restaurant and inn, Chester really loves what he does and the people with whom he works. He has a huge fan base, as is indicated by the binder in the library filled with fan mail and a few articles on animal cloning from former guests who want their own Chester. Of course, the staff asks that guests don’t mention (in Chester’s presence) that he’s a little cross-eyed and chubby. Having recently been placed on a diet by his vet, he’s already lost six pounds more weight than I’ve lost this year.
Contact Info:
Waterstone Mineral Springs Spa
at Lithia Springs Resort & Gardens
2165 W. Jackson Road . Ashland, OR . 97520
Phone: (800) 482-7128
Spa: www.waterstonespa.com
Spa email: info@waterstonespa.com
Inn and restaurant: www.ashlandinn.com
Inn and restaurant (and Chester’s) email:
lithia@lithiaspringsresort.com
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